[RECENT UPDATES: 10/10/15: It happens with all of us eventually - it's time to move on. I've cleaned out my stories, leaving only the ones I still find palatable. I will slowly but surely finish Red Mirror, and that will very likely be the end of my run here on FFN. I'm sorry. This may sound sad, but for me it's a step into the future. I'm writing an original series whose characters make me happier than I've ever been, and sometime I'm going to try to find an agent and test the waters of the publishing world. I will always have this site, and you guys, to thank for part of my journey as a writer. I will always be proud of SR and forever grateful for the feedback I received on that story and on many others, as well as the friendships formed with fellow writers. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. -DC]

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To my continued surprise and excitement, some people have been inspired to do artwork (...or translations, or fanfiction-fanfiction... the gang's all here XD) based on my stories! The least I can do is link back and try to share what they've done. Thanks so much guys! Sorted newest to oldest.

Survivor's Resolve stuff

Resolute Will(by Soulfully Sadistic) - a fanfiction that takes place in Meka Tower, based during the events of SR! If you like Sonic-Lucas interactions and the general vibe of intensity that came with that part of the story, you'll probably like this too; it's a good read so far. Give it a spin!

German translation (by Tikal on the Sega-club forums) - the first eight chapters are complete so far!

So... Helpless (by CharlesBulbmin) - a heartbreaking but adorable picture of Sonic and Tails, while Sonic is fighting Eggman in the cave.Refraction (by Speedy1236) - a beautiful depiction of a moment from the story's finale.Reunited (by NessaCity and Sonicspeed5) - one of the happiest moments in the story, from chapter 31.These Bars (by NessaCity and Sonicspeed5) - from near the end of chapter 12. Watch your click if stuff bugs you easily.The Aftermath (by LightningChaos2010), with SR logo - beautiful and heartbreaking work right here. Currently the story cover!Survivor's Resolve logoon its own (by LightningChaos2010) - it's just full of win.Knuckles saving Sonic from falling off the fortress (by SONICFAN11LUV) - a drawing of a scene in chapter 33.Colored version of below (by Sockmonkey145) - the unbreakable bond given more life through color.Can You See Me? drawing inspired by Survivor's Resolve chapter 17 (by Sonicspeed5) - they're with each other in spirit!

Undestined Future stuff

Series poster(by Sonicspeed5) - drawing that captures the essence of the series!Faster Than You Think drawing (by Sonicspeed5) - Sonic and Tails.A New Hero Rises 'screenshot' (by xXStoryWolfXx) - Sonic trapped in Eggman's base.Hyper Tails from Beyond the Chaos (by Sonicspeed5) - colored pic of Tails looking determined in his advanced form.Tails asleep on a lilypad (by magenta-oranges) - what Tails felt like doing in chapter 12 of Beyond the Chaos. xD

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RECOMMENDATIONS (listed alphabetically)

Trying to spread support around for other writers a bit! This little area is for what are my personal favorite Sonic stories! Sometimes I like a story to the point where I feel the need to tell the world why, even if just briefly. Like any story, none of 'em are perfect, but enjoying them and getting immersed in their plots and characterization is enough for me. Maybe you'll like them too. I strongly encourage you to give any of these a read, and even put a list of your own favorite stories (with reasons) up on your profile! We need to spread the love and support the works of literature around us, yeah? :)

Bruised by bradhadair12 - a wonderful take on the final battle of Sonic 2006. Even if you don't like the game, this is most definitely worth a read. Fantastic narrative from Sonic's perspective, and great battle scene.Hydrophobia by tiacat11 - just what it sounds like. A oneshot diving into Sonic's fear of water, even giving it a backstory, while keeping him in character. Authentic and heartwarming.Kidnapped by tiacat11 - this story pulled me in because of its spot-on characterization, an admirable portrayal of Sonic (along with Tails and Cream) and some well done 'dark' scenes.Letting Go of Hope by Comix28 - great story, and all the characters are handled quite well. A nice amount of focus on what's going on in characters' heads, especially Sonic, which I love.Life could have been so different by Taranea - one of the few Shadow stories that kept me. Great character and a very believable take on what happened on ARK 50 years ago - this became part of my mental canon unintentionally, that's how good it is. Touching, dramatic, and funny.Mutant Body, Mobian Heart by The Mysterious Traveller - I just got lost in this story when I read it, with its elegant wording, character interactions and heavy emotion. It gripped me incredibly. Great Tails and SatAm story; very moving.One Look by ZehHyperactiveAuthor - a short, somewhat AU story with a remarkable take on Sonic, further magnified by the other character's realizations about his attitude. Sometimes it's the captured that sets the captor free instead of the other way around. ;) This story gave me chills.Only Yesterday by Ardil the Traveller - good storyline and dialogue. Different and fresh. For some reason I always remembered this story after first reading it - it's one of those reads that made me nostalgic to read it again years after I thought I'd forgotten about it.Panacea by dib07 - thick with plot and emotion and challenge - not for the faint of heart. Wondrous character interaction that almost becomes family-like, delicious descriptions, and a distinctive, graceful kind of writing.Pretence by dib07 - great action that never seems to stop, and a wonderful message about the value of freedom and friendship. A very raw, honest story. Fluent descriptions and an overall gripping read.Prophecy by Asher Tye - the first Sonic fanfiction I ever read, back when it was called Silver Fox. I still love it. Stuck with me for some reason. One of the few SatAm based stories that kept me reading.Rising Star by JudasFm - an adorable and heart-wrenching story of Tails and Sonic's first adventures together. Action-packed, funny and inspiring. I tend to forget it's an adaptation of Sonic 2.Secrets of the Emeralds by JudasFm - probably one of the most well-known Sonic stories of its time, and for good reason. Superb dialogue, precious and memorable characterization, and wonderful touches of wit. Feels like a Sonic story... if a bit dark in tone later on. Absolutely thrilling and captivating read.Shadow: Transcending Lifetimes by Child at Heart Forever - an emotional and introspective oneshot that captures a heartwarming instance of character development for Shadow - and does a naturally great job at portraying other characters in the process, too. Wonderfully executed.Sonic Concepts by Exploder - intriguing plot that makes humans a more integral part of things, and good characterization. It's like Sonic X, except for more well done and more mature. Lots of Sonic and Tails.Sonic Concepts 2 by Exploder - great character development, moral conflict, and action. Does everything a sequel should do. (Read it even if you didn't read the first yet.) Fantastic story, especially for Tails fans, but Sonic fans too.The Wind In The Abyss by Speedy1236 - a thorough exploration of characters (particularly Sonic and Knuckles) that is full of meaning, great defining moments, and an undeniable grasp of the characters' personalities. It's one of those stories that feels like it could have happened in a canon, and fits in pretty seamlessly.Unleashing Sonic: Story Mode by Child at Heart Forever - an adaptation full of charming character and wit and excitement. It's thorough and fills out the content of this already-loveable game.

ABOUT MY WRITING

Could say a lot here, but for the sake of neatness I'll keep it short. It's best to let stories speak for themselves anyway.

Like any writer, I have plenty of room for improvement. My writing has errors. Sometimes I repeat things too much. Sometimes things aren't foreshadowed adequately that should have been. I have needed to grasp at straws in a plot before in order to make it work (though I'm quite sure anything grating is older, heh). But... if there is anything that I can say for myself and my writing, it's that I can write characters.

My favorite thing about writing is taking a character, whether already well-developed or completely bare-bones, and weaving them into something even more memorable from that foundation. This is the case for my Sonic fanfiction and for the original characters I've created myself - but in the case of this site, mostly Sonic. ;) I grew up with these characters. One day, as a kid, I wanted to write a story like I'd seen so many people do on this website. I did so and never stopped, and eventually the characters became my own, in a sense. They became the vessels through which I projected the stories and themes I wanted to share. It carried over into my adult life and now I don't see myself ever stopping writing completely, even though I'll eventually transition into entirely original work.

For as close as I try to stay to canon and good characterization, my stories do NOT have the usually comparably-lighter tone that the games do. If that's what you're looking for, that's perfectly fine, but you will not find it here. I write deeply, intensely, and with no holds barred. This isn't even entirely deliberate; it's just the way the story comes to me. I'm very forward in my storytelling and do not edit for the sake of censorship alone if it matters to the plot or characters. Some things in my stories are descriptive, emotional, or otherwise heavy (just the way I like it! ;P). But at the same time, nothing happens without reason, and nothing is at the expense of the characters' personalities. I strive for as close to perfect characterization as I can get, building on the foundation the Sonic universe has already laid, enriching it, fleshing it out... but staying true to the core.

Short version of everything? I write deep and sometimes dark. Take it or leave it... but take the it! ;) (...Yeah, don't fret if you don't understand the reference.)

Full summary: Sonic and friends find themselves in the midst of a predicament already at its worst. Now Eggman's success depends on his knowledge of Chaos energy, an area Sonic happens to be quite experienced in. But the blue blur has no intentions of playing along.

Meanwhile, circumstances bring together an unlikely but working trio: Tails, Amy and Espio. The ninja-detective informs them that Knuckles has hired the Chaotix Detective Agency to help guard the Master Emerald... but why would Knuckles request help with such an important duty? Their search for answers only brings about more questions. Fortunately - and unfortunately - it turns out all of their problems are intertwined in some kind of chaotic tree, with Eggman at the root and Sonic caught in the vines.

Knuckles has changed. Tails is suddenly carrying the world on his shoulders. Sonic is pitted against counterproductive circumstances. And everyone is about to discover that it takes something more than skills or smarts to survive the unfathomable.

Perilous waters are rising... in more ways than one.

The longest and most descriptive of all my stories, and also one that aims to give quite a few characters proper development (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Espio and Eggman being the mains) rather than just Sonic and Tails like my series did. By the end of the story I'm confident you'll know what I mean. Having said that, while this story is about quite a few characters, at the same time, it is about Sonic. He is the main character of Survivor's Resolve in the same way he's the main character of the games.

It's also the riskiest of all my stories for a number of reasons. One is the larger cast since I'm admittedly accustomed to focusing on just two or three characters. Another is that a lot of the story, especially the first half, takes place in the same few settings, which can be less interesting for some people than having characters go to a lot of different places. (However, I think this physical stillness tends to allow for a lot more emotional movement and thorough development and depth for the characters.) The most apparent is probably its lack of subtlety all throughout - this story doesn't censor itself in any capacity and has quite a few dark moments. It is simply told 'the way it happened,' if you will, with nothing left on the cutting room floor.

All in all, it's somewhat different from my series and somewhat similar at the same time, but is an ambitious project I've been working on for two and a half years now. It delves deep into the characters without straying from who they are at the core, and is a dark adventure with a silver lining (...most of the time ;P). It is an exploration of character and a journey full of danger, threats, adventure and hope. I'm proud of it and of the message it'll ultimately deliver, and I hope someone out there gets half as much out of it as I did.

Feel free to contact me if you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or just to chit-chat about the latest Sonic game. I like talking to people even if I don't always have time to answer promptly.

SONADOW. A missing scene from 'He Is My Master' when Sonic and Shadow are trapped for the night in the dungeon of a foreign dimension, and execution is scheduled at dawn. Bonus Story 'The Value of Rarity' at the end.

SONADOW. After Chaos Control goes awry, Sonic and Shadow go AWOL...landing in a parallel dimension with many familiar faces, but a huge problem. Getting back would be so easy - that is, if everyone wasn't insisting that Sonic is 'Prince' Shadow's slave...

Post-Unleashed. The Curse of the Werehog is over - or so Sonic had thought. But when the sun is eclipsed from the sky by a comet and Shadow undergoes a violent transformation of his own, the two heroes will now have to work together to save the world...

The characters enter a darker stage. Shadow undertakes his new hero title with diligent fervor. But as they continue with their lives, they swiftly find that everything can change, even the Messenger. And Robotnik has a new weapon to restore his rule.

Someone has died and Sonic finds himself unable to pick up the pieces. But when Mobius has already given up on its hero, Shadow drops in from a storm, intent on finding out whether there isn't a bit of spirit left. To coax Sonic out of his shell, the black hedgehog starts to tell him about his past...and what REALLY happened aboard the ARK. Shadow's childhood, now COMPLETE.

The Knight Lautrec has stumbled upon a terrible realization: Lordran is being cycled over and over endlessly by a stream of 'Chosen' heroes. Now he's intent on finding a way to put an end to the madness, and is enlisting the aid of Quelana, Mother of Pyromancy, Patches the Hyena, and others to resolve this eternal conflict - and break the cycle. Cover Art by 'AskCiaran' on Tumblr.

A trip to the Floating Island by Sonic and Tails takes a turn for the worst when Knuckles shows himself to be hostile. And they end up in every place from a desert to a lava mine to a ancient city built on the clouds ... and eventually the Death Egg, itse

Third entry in the Sonic Concepts series. Sonic and Tails have firmly established themselves as everyday heroes on Earth, but Sonic's actions don't always bring him friends or happiness. The duo's continued search for Robotnik leads them to Hong Kong, where Sonic finds out that they have more enemies than they think, and where his upper limit truly lies.

A Sonic and the Black Knight adaptation with an original twist. There is never a dull moment for our heroic blue hedgehog; his vacation is cut short when he finds himself falling face first into the land ruled by King Arthur.

Sonic always saw the world through black and white. Either someone was good or they weren't. Life was simple. Justice was simple. He was always sure of what should and shouldn't be done. Now, nothing was certain anymore. Because that THING was everything he feared. It HAD to be his enemy. Only now it's fate rests in Sonic's hands. And for the first time, he doesn't know what to do.

Knuckles, Sonic, a maze of dark tunnels and a meaningful discussion on who is to blame for them being lost underground. As far as Sonic is concerned that's entirely clear already. – oneshot written for the Kelviniana forum Mistletoe challenge

Trapped in Meka Tower, far from medical supplies, and not very knowledgeable on the ways of being sick, Sonic's immune system fails him. Now, absolute determination and an iron will to live are quickly becoming the only things keeping him alive, while Lucas and Espio are quickly running out of options...and time. Based on "Survivor's Resolve." Thanks so much, DC111!

After Knuckles is attacked on Angel Island, Team Sonic embarks on a chase after Dr. Eggman, but this time not even the evil genius really knows what he's after. At the end of a long journey, not everyone will have found what they bargained for... Also: the Chaotix are in trouble, Amy gets over Sonic and new alliences are formed.

Water has always been his number one fear - his phobia. Tales and lore throughout history speak of beautiful, alluring girls reeling sailors in with their songs, and Sonic had always wondered if these myths were true. But he's never expected to be caught up in a fairy tale like this.

Sonic's daughter, Nikki, is to become the next defender of Mobius, but she still has a lot to learn before she's ready to take the torch. Facing tough challenges and being raised in a world virtually destroyed by Surge X, Eggman's latest creation, she still carries the same spirit (as well as the skills) her father had before her. But will that be enough to survive Surge's Army?

Once upon a time, Shadow had Maria, and she was everything he ever needed in a friend. Now, a lifetime later, he's stuck with an eccentric group of "idiots", and he feels that it'll never be the same again, but maybe he's just not looking hard enough.

Heroes adapt- Eggman apparently comes out of his five month hiatus from evil, aiming to enslave the world under his robot army within three days time. Thus, twelve heroes divided into four teams rise to the challenge of taking him down. It becomes a race to see who can reach him first...but in this fragile web of teamwork, is Eggman truly the one at fault?

A prologue to the Legends Series of Sonic the hedgehog and just a brief history of his earlier life and how he eventually came to meet Tails and how Robotnik was born. Rated: T Can be read as purely Stand-Alone. One shot.

Unleashed adapt. After a tragic encounter in space, Sonic tries to carry on with his carefree life while putting the seven continents of the world back together with help from his new amnesiac friend. He succeeds in the daytime, but when it comes to night, it's not so easy...and coming to grips with that is even harder.

The fires of the explosion have liberated and destroyed Sonic. Though alive, he gravely suffers, and once again it is up to the powers of friendship to find a way to save... or to kill him. Heart failure is incurable... or so they say.

The way through Eggmanland, Wing Fortress, Final Egg and other bases of Dr. Eggman's can easily be deadly. So you better hold on dearly to the last ring you have left… You could easily be a goner otherwise. - oneshot

When Tails wishes to know what it is like to be the big brother, he never expected it to come true. Finding out how to undo it is hard enough without having to look after a five year old blue hedgehog. REVIEWS AND FAVES ARE MUCH GRATEFUL!

After a chaos control that seems to have split time and dimension, Shadow and Sonic find themselves in another world. A world where they are alone. Until the night falls. They must recollect the emeralds, survive and fight to find an answer. Story: Discontinued.

When a chain of unfortunate events seems to threaten the very existence of Mobius, Sonic is forced to face his worst demon. But how can you control the incarnation of lacking control? Or can't you? - sorta Fleetway/games crossover

This is a realistic evaluation on Sonic's body, from his skeletal frame to his hands and feet and how his body can cope with such speeds with ease. Disclaimer inside. This is the visualisation I use in my stories of him.

Segaverse Oneshot: Thanks to the Time Eater, Sonic had been cast back in time, meeting his "classic" self and visiting old locations. Such locations included Sky Sanctuary. And faced with the lost paradise, Sonic...and Knuckles found it difficult to leave

War has come. Sonic has no choice but to accept the inevitable. War against Eggman is suicidal. Shadow seems to be in his own world, and then Silver comes only to get in the way. Sonic is left in turmoil. Warning: Character deaths. COMPLETED!

Sonic and Tails have fought Robotnik repeatedly for many years. But when another human is accidentally teleported onto Mobius, he finds that he may have to break up this status quo in order to get back to Earth.

One month after Dark Oak's defeat, Tails is making a slow and painful recovery from Cosmo's death, however Knuckles makes an incredible discovery near Angel Island and now it seems that another adventure is coming... a Taismo story.

Chris hears a noise in a broken alleyway. Little does he know that it is a trap set by Dr. Eggman. When Sonic comes to the rescue, Chris finds out just how mortal blue hedgehogs can be. Based on Sonic X. Disclaimer in fic.

Dr. Eggman hasn't tried anything serious to establish the Eggman Empire for eight years. Shadow the Hedgehog has been missing for eight years. Then one day, on a rescue mission with Sonic and the gang, Cream finds him. It's only the beginning of events...

SatAM, Season III. A chance discovery while out on a mission forces Tails to confront the truth of his existence...and the role that one of The Freedom Fighters played in it. Now co-written with Asher Tye!

Sonic and the other heroes have defeated evil every time. But when a war from the world's tragic genesis creates the deadliest forces they have faced, Sonic will have to accept his destiny and not only balance the world but defeat a vengeful ancient god.

They were all freezing. The only person unaffected was Sonic. That cheerful bundle of optimism didn't even seem to be COLD! Tanya rolled her eyes at his optimism, wondering, not for the first time, how one creature could posses so much energy.

In a twist of fate, Sonic is forced to take up knighthood as he fights a deadly tyrant: the legendary King Arthur. Wanted throughout Britain, Sonic must find a way to wield the Sacred Sword, Caliburn, before its too late. Onward, my young knave!

Summer, sunshine, beach and waves! Yup, that's right, total nightmare for Sonic. However, very little is going to help the blue hedgehog when everybody else is surf-crazy and for Sonic it's breaking point at point break...

"I couldn't just die peacefully: that wasn't my style. I had to become a poltergeist, converse with a God and come back to life first." Inspired by 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Next Gen. No pairings, unless you want to see it that way. Completed, at last!

Segaverse Oneshot: Merlina always knew that Camelot would come to an end, hence her desperate actions to save it. However, an ended story does not mean an ended world. And watching the end of the Arthurian legend confirms this.

ONE SHOT - Sonic the Werehog arrives too late to save Tails from danger. As he reflects on his friendship with the wounded fox, his means of affection and protection within this form appear to differ greatly to his true self... or do they? SxT Brotherly

When Sonic gets captured, will he survive Eggman's torture? Read on to find out! I don't own any of the Sonic characters. Have fun with this one...if you dare! Sorry about the typo. This one IS actually complete!

Sonic is a carefree hedgehog raising a fox cub half his age. Tails is an orphaned cub living with his "ultra-cool" Big Brother... But their lives together have not always been smooth and free of conflict.

A tale detailing the year after the Metarex were defeated. Mostly deals with Tails' relationships with the other characters, but there are a few other POVs as well. There will be Taismo, as well as some Sonamy and Knuxouge. Deal with it. 'T' just in case.

S3&K adaptation. A disturbing rumour that Robotnik may somehow have survived the explosion of his Death Egg leads Sonic and Tails to a strange flying island to search for answers...and straight into conflict with a new enemy. Please R&R!

99 percent of genetic mutations are harmful or have no appreciable effect on their host organism. However, one young fox has been lucky enough to beat these impossible odds since birth, or has he? Slight Son-Amy and Knux-Rouge. My first fanfic!

Inspired by the song Forgetting all the hurt inside you've learned to hide so well. Pretening someone else can come and save me from myself. I can't be who you are... SonicxTails brother Switching POVs

Sequel to Wonderful Request for Crystal Persian "James...promised he was here to stay, too." Tails looked at Sonic from over his shoulder, tears swimming in his sapphire eyes. "Words only mean so much after awhile, Sonic." sonicxtails brotherly COMPLETED!

It's been a year to Cosmo's death. Tails still can't get over the heartbreak. But after a tender moment from Rouge, Tails follows her through intimate adventures and new found love. Tails X Rouge. Knuckles X JulieSu. Sonic X Sally. LEMON. Complete.

Tails would never give up faith. For Sonic the Hedgehog had never lied to him before. He would return, just like he promised. And Tails would be right here waiting, just like he promised. [SonicxTails friendship oneshot][Inspired by Right Here by Stained]

Currently being revised/reworked - [AU] A heart lost in the darkness will always find the light. She was his light... A faithful encounter that will change the life of two. [ShadAmy] - Last Update: 04/26/11

Changed name from Silver Fox! In the world of Mobius, a prophecy exist of one who will one day bring the world to a great harmony. Whether he will do it through peace or destruction is a choice as simple... as the flip of a coin.

Robotnik finally did it. He has created the perfect plan, but he didn't plan on this plan taking on a mind of its own. Now his creations are free and they're destroying much more than the city. They're destroying lives. Story better than sum. Rated T JIC

Shadow has been booted from the Ark and must find away to survive on earth. Lacking somewhat in the skills necessary to live peacefully amongst humans, Shadow turns to his friends for advice and examples... A pity all of his friends are slightly nuts.

When Dr. Eggman threatens to level Paladin City with his new doomsday device, the Tectonic Engine, it's up to Sonic, Tails and Knuckles to travel deep underground and get to the core of his treacherous plan.

Sequel to Sins of the Mothers. Trapped in Robotnik's fortress and surrounded by the Void, Sonic and Bait must bargain with their enemies in a desperate attempt to survive. Meanwhile, Knuckles and Tails are having big problems on Angel Island. Please R&R!

[Oneshot] 8 years ago, we were enslaved. Today is the 8th anniversary of the Freedom Fighter’s victory against Dr. Robotnik. Today is a happy day for everyone…except for the freedom fighters. And me. They call me Tails

Complete short story spinoffs from my other work. To begin with, Tails has a very important question to ask, and with Sonic temporarily gone, the only person he can turn to for answers is Knuckles. Some innuendo present. Please R&R!

Sonic's been in a coma for years, completely unresponsive. Now he's awakened in a ruined world, ruled by Dr. Robotnik, all that he once knew gone or changed almost beyond recognition. Can he bring back yesterday's bright dreams, or is he doomed to fail?

A month after defeating Eggman and Eggman Nega, Sonic and Blaze are looking for some way to find each other. But when they do, it may wind up causing more trouble for them than they ever bargained for...

COMPLETED! The sequel to Secrets of the Emeralds. After getting disturbing visions of Tails being held captive, both Knuckles and Sonic set out to save him, though they have no idea where to find him and time is fast running out. Please R&R!

After a runin with an old enemy, Sonic uncovers an ancient plot that puts more than just Mobius in danger's path. Over the course of his adventure, he will face new challenges, and learn that the greatest enemy he will ever have to conquer is himself.

Purpose is paramount in his life: he exists to safeguard the Controller. No one could ever come before the Guardian's sacred mission, not even this curious stranger, unable to leave the Island of Angels...

Sonic always seems to have the worst of luck. Falling into the hands of the unknown, the hedgehog's nerves are tested... [Some of you might not like it. Read the warning, and proceed of your own accord. You have been warned]

The power of the Chaos Emeralds flowing through them will keep Sonic and Shadow alive indefinitely, but everyone else Sonic's ever cared for is long dead. Then a young fox turns up on the doorstep of Tails' workshop, claiming to be Tails reincarnate.

...The marks ran far deeper than he could ever admit. No one, not even Tails knew of his secret burden. Sonic could never admit he was afraid. His mind was poisoned with terror, but he could never give any pretense of cowardliness...

A small but forceful wave hit Sonic right below the chest. He threw his head back, as if looking skyward would protect him from the deadly liquid below, and his frantic cry pierced the tranquil morning air. Water was his worst nightmare.

Eggman's exposure to negative Chaos energy is slowly mutilating him, and his madness must be stopped. Only Sonic knows enough to have a chance – but after all that's happened, Tails isn't so keen to let him rush into Eggman's territory once again. Even without incident, halting Eggman's catastrophic decline would elicit a cost of its own.

"My sincerest greetings to thee. I am Artorias, knight of Lord Gwyn. I've come to aid Oolacile." An intimate glimpse into Artorias's journey, his encounter with Sif, and his descent into corruption as he challenges the abyss, a place where even the best lie exposed. Or perhaps it is the best, the most pure, that were always vulnerable. After all, bright light casts a dark shadow...

Enduring trials has a tendency to bring comrades closer together, and reveal intimate parts of people you wouldn't have seen otherwise - and maybe that they wouldn't have seen themselves, either. When Solaire first told me he was seeking his own sun, I couldn't help but think he was a little strange. I didn't understand… until I did. (Solaire-centered story, Chosen Undead POV)

"L-listen… hear me…!" the Abysswalker cried as I struggled fruitlessly. But somewhere in grotesque, tortured layers composing the sounds, I heard what must have been his true voice. "Please warrior, I beg thee…" Slowly I wrapped my mind around the possibility this moment could turn out differently than a nightmare. Something was different. I took a shaky breath. "Knight Artorias?"

Sonic is in danger, Knuckles has changed, and Tails is left with battle on his shoulders. Citizens of Station Square are disappearing, held in a dark tower. Fortunately - and unfortunately - it turns out all of these problems are intertwined, with Eggman at the root and Sonic caught in the vines. But the blue blur has no intentions of playing along. COMPLETE! Thanks for 80k hits!

After Tails's death, Sonic finds himself in a constant struggle against not only Eggman's empire, but his own emotional turmoil. When he crosses paths with the mysteriously powerful Shadow, though, he realizes he may not have to fight either battle alone.

I forced myself to a sitting position, pushing past the dizziness and discomfort along the way. My insides were screaming in agonizing protest. I knew I was critically injured. "But you still can’t kill me, can you, Merlina?"

No matter how incredible, Sonic has never failed to beat the odds. Now, though, his foe resides quite literally within him, and even the blue blur himself may not be fast enough to defeat it. Please read and review. Main characters are Sonic and Tails.